Promoting Relational and Inclusive Support for Neurodivergent Minds
ABOUT PRISM
PRISM (Promoting Relational and Inclusive Support for Neurodivergent Minds) aims to develop, implement and sustain relational and trauma-informed care interventions that improve healthcare experiences and outcomes for children and families with ESSENCE-aligned profiles.
WHY IT MATTERS
The study responds to sensory, communication, relational and regulatory needs that can place neurodivergent children at risk of distress, re-traumatisation and inequitable healthcare. It promotes care centred on safety, dignity, participation, inclusion and partnership with children and families.
PROJECT APPROACH
Grounded in the EPIS framework (Exploration, Preparation, Implementation and Sustainment), this multi-phase project uses qualitative, quantitative, participatory, co-design, implementation science and realist approaches across public and private paediatric healthcare settings.
EXPECTED CONTRIBUTION
The wider PRISM programme seeks to generate neurodiversity affirming clinical guidance, practical implementation strategies and a sustainable model to strengthen healthcare team competence, reduce distress and medical trauma, and improve child and family experiences.
POSSIBLE STUDENT RESEARCH AREAS
Evidence synthesis on relational and trauma-informed care and family challenges
Healthcare professionals' practices, experiences and perspectives
Co-design and evaluation of contextually relevant clinical guidelines
Implementation and realist process evaluation in paediatric hospital settings
Design and evaluation of practical intervention toolkits
Sustainability, institutional integration and interprofessional capacity building
Development and evaluation of a sustainable practice model
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE STUDY?
For more information, contact Dr Suegnet Scholtz, Principal Investigator of the PRISM project
The Researcher
Dr Suegnet Scholtz
Tel: 016-910 3564